If you want to welcome a new addition to your family, you might be thinking about finding a surrogate. The surrogacy process differs depending on which state you live in, so here’s a closer look at the surrogacy process in Illinois.

Choosing between traditional or gestational surrogacy

One of the first steps in this process is learning about traditional and gestational surrogacy. Traditional surrogacy is when a woman combines her own eggs with sperm from a donor or someone pledging to be the child’s father. This process involves placing prepared sperm directly into the surrogate’s uterus.

Gestational surrogacy is the more popular option. The person who is a gestational surrogate has no biological relationship with the child she will carry and birth. In this process, the person who agrees to be a surrogate becomes pregnant through in vitro fertilization.

Finding a surrogate

After deciding what surrogacy method is best for you, you’ll need to find a surrogate. It’s important to note that an Illinois resident doesn’t have to choose a surrogate who lives in this state. However, some expectant parents find that having a surrogate close by makes the surrogacy process a little easier.

Preparing and signing a surrogacy contract

Before the official surrogacy process can begin, all parties involved will need to sign a surrogacy contract. Fortunately, the Illinois Gestational Surrogacy Act makes this process fairly simple and straightforward.

Both parties involved in the surrogacy process will require legal representation. By doing this, each party has their best interests advocated for during the contract drafting process. After this contract is ready, both parties must sign it.

As you can see, there are several important steps in the surrogacy process for you to follow. After attending regularly scheduled check-ups and OBGYN visits, your surrogate will soon welcome your new baby into the world.